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Polypyrrole/silver/graphene ternary composites for high-performance Ku-band electromagnetic interference shielding
Unwanted electromagnetic waves can significantly affect the performance of electronic devices and communication systems. A high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) material is a solution to this issue. This study introduces a cost-effective one-pot synthesis method for polypyrrole/silver (Ppy/Ag), polypyrrole/graphene (Ppy/Gr) and polypyrrole/silver/graphene (Ppy/Ag/Gr) ternary composites with adjustable graphene concentrations. Detailed structural and morphological analyses using FTIR, XRD and STEM confirm the successful incorporation of Ag nanoparticles and graphene into the polypyrrole matrix. The total shielding effectiveness (SET) of the ternary composites in the Ku band shows an impressive 30.86 dB at 12.7 GHz for the 5 wt.% graphene composite, primarily driven by absorption mechanisms (SEA> SER). The synergistic interaction between Ag, which provides conductive pathways, and graphene, which offers structural reinforcement, significantly enhances interfacial polarisation and conductivity, surpassing the performance of binary counterparts (Ppy/Ag and Ppy/Gr. The results of this work introduce a lightweight, potent and economical composite material for EMI shielding applications in the Ku band. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Engineering CoMn2O? nanofibers: Enhancing one-dimensional electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors
One-dimensional CoMn2O4 nanofibers were developed via the electrospinning method, offers a novel approach for designing electrode materials for energy storage device -supercapacitors. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with EDX confirmed the highly porous CoMn2O4 phase with desired composition. Elemental mapping studies confirmed uniform distribution of Co, Mn, and O elements throughout the nanofibers.Electrochemical studies underscored the crucial role of structural voids and spacing in enhancing energy storage capacity, establishing CoMn2O4 as a promising electrode material. Specific energy and power studies yielded remarkable results of 93.84 Whr/kg and 55.20 kW/kg, respectively. Additionally, specific capacitance determination returned 937.42 F/g, indicating exceptional charging and discharging performance over 1000 cycles with 93.3 % capacitance retention. Moreover, the flexible symmetric supercapacitor is expected to demonstrate exceptional flexibility and electrochemical stability, achieving a specific energy of 232 Wh/kg and a specific power of 84 kW/kg at a current density of 1 mA/cm. These findings advance our understanding of CoMn2O4 nanofibers and offer insights into developing efficient and stable energy storage systems for diverse applications. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
A Flexible HfO2 Nanofilm deposition on activated carbon fiber using atomic layer deposition method for Uric acid Detection
Flexible devices are in demand for the future development of electronic products. This study introduces a method where a uniform HfO2 thin nanofilm (10 nm) is deposited on flexible carbon cloth (CC) using atomic layer deposition (ALD). This electrode replaces traditional glassy carbon electrodes and other metal electrodes used in sensor fabrication. The ALD technique is employed for the first time in the fabrication of nanomaterials for non-enzymatic uric acid detection, offering advantages such as a solvent-free, binder-free, and low-chemical synthesis process. Synergistic effect of CC and HfO2 active sites contributes to its benchmark performance as a uric-acid sensors. HfO2 structure can supply more reaction sites and ion diffusion pathways. ALD-derived HfO2 exhibit a significant number of oxygen vacancies due to the suboxide formation. These oxygen vacancies or defects act as charge-trapping sites, and when biomolecules are introduced, the film electrical conductivity is altered. The presence of a uniformly distributed, grainy porous structure explains the successful immobilization of uric acid on HfO?. The highly rough surface and large surface area of 200-HfO?/CC boost uric acid sensitivity by more than five times compared with cleaned CC. This research work confirmed that the sensor possesses high selectivity and good reproducibility, suggesting its ability for practical application. HfO2 with a nanofilm structure was chosen for the selective detection of uric acid for the first time, with higher stability and lower detection level (10 nM) (less than reported literature). Herein, this study presents a promising electrocatalyst for nonenzymatic uric acid detection and real-time monitoring of uric acid in human serum and urine for disease prevention. 2026 Elsevier B.V. -
Facile mechanochemical assembly of PANI-modified tetra-amino zinc phthalocyanine@Bi2O3 hybrid for enhanced visible-light-driven dye degradation
This work describes a fast, green, and solvent-free mechanochemical route to produce an advanced photocatalyst tetra-amino zinc phthalocyanine embedded in a polyanilineBi2O3 matrix (PANI-TAZnPc@Bi2O3). Comprehensive FTIR, Raman, FESEM, XRD, HRTEM, and DRS analyses confirm the successful synthesis of the materials, revealing irregular nanoscale particles with crystallite sizes of 8.36 nm (TAZnPc), 29.26 nm (Bi2O3), and 29.86 nm (PANITAZnPc@Bi2O3). TGA reveals that Bi2O3 exhibits excellent thermal stability up to 930 C, while the PANITAZnPc@Bi2O3 composite up to about 150 C. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated by degrading methylene blue (MB) in the presence of H2O2 under visible light, with systematic variations in catalyst dosage, irradiation time, solution pH, and reusability. Compared to bare Bi2O3 and TAZnPc@Bi2O3, the PANI-TAZnPc@Bi2O3 composite showed superior activity- its narrower band gap, enhanced MB adsorption, and reduced electronhole recombination, achieving 99.75 % dye removal in 100 min under optimal conditions. The PANITAZnPc@Bi2O3 photocatalyst demonstrated excellent stability, retaining its photocatalytic activity over five consecutive cycles with no significant changes in its XRD and FTIR profiles. Reactive species such as OH and O?? drive methylene blue degradation, leading to its mineralization into inorganic ions as confirmed by ionic chromatography. Finally, a detailed photocatalytic mechanism is proposed to explain the enhanced performance of this nanocomposite. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Facile synthesis of novel ternary g-C?N?/MnO?/CQDs nanocomposite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and DFT study
A novel type II staggered heterojunction photocatalyst, g-C?N?/MnO?/CQDs (CCM nanocomposite), has prepared through a facile hydrothermal route using MnO? nanoparticles (NPs) varying between 3 % and 5 %. The 5 % CCM nanocomposite has exhibited superior photocatalytic performance, achieving a maximum degradation efficiency of 98.38 % for methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation within 120 min. This performance significantly surpassed those of pristine g-C?N? and MnO?. Kinetic analysis has demonstrated a rate constant of 2.96 10? min? and a half-life of 23.42 min under optimal conditions. The degradation efficiency gets increased from 93.15 % to 98.38 % with the increase in pH from 3 to 7, whereas higher dye concentrations (10 and 20 ppm) has resulted with the decreasing efficiencies of 87.1 % and 73.9 %, respectively. BrunauerEmmettTeller (BET) analysis has confirmed the mesoporous nature of the 5 % CCM nanocomposite, with a specific surface area of 5.27 m g?, an average pore size of 11.52 nm, and a pore volume of 0.03 cm g?. The bandgap energies are determined to be notably reduced to 2.7 eV for 5 % CCM nanocomposite. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has shown the excellent thermal stability of the 5 % CCM nanocomposite up to 750 C. Vibration Sample Magnometer (VSM) analysis has specified the weak ferromagnetic behaviour. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to evaluate the electronic structure and charge-transfer mechanism underlying the improved performance. Importantly, reusability tests over five consecutive cycles showed that the 5 % CCM nanocomposite has retained 80 % of its initial photocatalytic activity, demonstrating excellent catalyst stability and potential for practical applications. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Anticorrosive studies of Chitosan/TiO2/g-C3N4 composite on mild steel in saline and acidic conditions
This work focuses on the synthesis of a nanocomposite coating that enhances the anticorrosive property of the metal. The nanocomposite under study is a synergistic blend of chitosan, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), effectively challenging the corrosion problem faced by various industries. The environment-friendly and natural properties of chitosan, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles, and the efficient electrical conductivity of g-C3N4 make the composite an ideal material for studying anticorrosion activity. Experimental techniques like XPS, XRD, HR-TEM, FE-SEM, TGA, BET surface area, and FTIR analysis have been employed to characterize the nanocomposite. Weight loss studies indicate the efficacy of the nanocomposite on mild steel in 3.5 % NaCl and 1 M HCl. The corrosion behavior of the nanocomposite is examined by Tafel curves and electrochemical impedance analysis. The results indicate that the inhibition efficiency of chitosan/TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite is 99 % with a charge transfer resistance value of 152.43 ?, which is more effective in the corrosion inhibition of mild steel than chitosan, TiO2, and g-C3N4 when taken separately. The anticorrosive coating prepared using this composite can be applied on different surfaces under various environmental conditions to reduce corrosion. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Investigation of hot corrosion behavior of plasma sprayed cermet composite coatings on titanium and special steel alloys
In the present study, titanium-15 alloy and a special steel alloy (MDN 420) were used as base materials. These components are employed in high-temperature applications. Three types of pure powders were deposited on titanium-15 and a special steel (MDN 420) alloys. The three coatings were 35 % (WC-Co) + 65 % (Cr3C2-NiCr), 70 % NiCrAlY + 30 % TiO2, and 70 % NiCrAlY+25%Cr2O3 + 5%YSZ. The coatings and base alloys underwent various metallurgical, mechanical, and hot corrosion tests. The hot corrosion behavior of the coatings was investigated in a Na2SO460%V2O5 molten salt medium at 700 C, with an accuracy of 5 C. Each test cycle consisting of 50 cycles, with heating followed by 1 h cooling for 20 min. When three coatings were compared, NiCrAlY+Cr2O3 + YSZ coating exhibited superior resistance to hot corrosion on both the alloys. The enhanced corrosion resistance of the NiCrAlY+Cr2O3 + YSZ coating was attributed to the formation of a protective oxide layer containing Cr2O3.The tests were conducted in a highly acidic molten salt environment, with Na2SO4 being less soluble (60 % V2O5). The results showed that the NiCrAlY+Cr2O3 + YSZ coating displayed better corrosion resistance for titanium-15 and MDN 420 alloys, when compared to the other two coatings. The formation of an oxide layer containing Cr2O3 was the main reason for the improved corrosion resistance. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Disentangling homeowner motives for solar PV: Psychometric development, validation and invariance test of the Motivation for Rooftop Solar Adoption Scale
The rooftop photovoltaic (PV) adoption of households is shaped by heterogeneous motives of the household that extend beyond economic calculus, yet prior research often measures these motives using ad hoc or single-item indicators, limiting comparability across studies. This study develops and validates the Motivation for Rooftop Solar Adoption Scale (MRSAS) to disentangle the key motivational dimensions that drives the household PV adoption. Following established scale-development guidance, we generated an initial item pool from theory and recent PV-adoption evidence, assessed content adequacy using a structured Q-sort, and then conducted exploratory factor analysis (N = 295), followed by confirmatory factor analysis (N = 312). Results support a parsimonious 22 item six-factor model with Social Influence, Financial Motivation, Environmental Protectionism, Energy Self-Reliance, Facilitating Conditions, and Technophile Attitude as dimensions. The model exhibits excellent confirmatory model fit along with strong reliability and discriminant validity. Multi-group CFA establishes scalar invariance between adopters and non-adopters, aligning with theory, adopters score higher across all six motivational dimensions. The MRSAS provides a psychometrically robust and transferable tool for profiling why households adopt solar, supporting cumulative theory-building and enabling practitioners to tailor incentives, communication and programme design to the motivations that matter. 2026 The Authors. -
Forgotten lives: A mixed-methods study on cognitive decline associated with discrimination among elderly transgender individuals in India
Transgender older adults face a unique and under-researched set of health risks, particularly in relation to cognitive decline. This mixed-methods study explores how lifelong discrimination contributes to cognitive vulnerability among elderly transgender individuals in India. Quantitative data were collected through surveys with 137 participants aged 45 and above, while qualitative insights were drawn from 35 semi-structured interviews. Results revealed that the mean cognitive decline score (M = 5.93) was significantly higher than the general population benchmark (t(135) = 5.39, p < 0.001), with qualitative narratives expressing fear of gender reversal due to memory loss. Notably, over 69 % of respondents lacked confidence in healthcare providers' knowledge of transgender health needs, and 60 % reported frequent or constant social isolation. The findings were interpreted using Minority Stress Theory, highlighting the compounded impact of lifelong stigma, medical neglect, and aging. This study underscores the urgent need for trans-inclusive memory care, provider training, and policy-level reforms in eldercare services. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
Behavioural nudges and maternal diet: Results from a cluster-randomised pilot trial among pregnant women in India
Micronutrient shortfalls pose a significant threat to maternal health across India. We evaluate whether brief, low-intensity informational nudges can improve short-run maternal diet quality during pregnancy. We conducted a pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial across 22 primary health centre (PHC) catchments in Karnataka, assigning catchments to one of three behavioural interventions (printed pamphlets, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) home visits, or research-team phone calls) or to routine-care control. A panel of 440 pregnant women was surveyed at baseline and again four weeks later. Primary outcomes were small meal frequency and two 24-hour dietary diversity measures: a continuous score and the binary Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women. Using multi-arm difference-in-differences models with pooled specifications, we find modest improvements over time across all arms. However, the interventions did not improve meal frequency or dietary diversity relative to the control group. These inferences were robust to 100 control-group subsampling iterations. Over this four week pilot period, low intensity, information only nudges did not improve meal frequency or dietary diversity beyond standard care by policy relevant amounts, helping bound the short run impacts of brief informational messaging in this setting. 2026 Elsevier Inc. -
Environmental and innovational dynamics for sustainable competitiveness in the manufacturing industry
This research examines how environmental management system, recycling, eco-innovation, and open innovation effect sustainable competitive advantage in the Indian manufacturing sector in New Delhi. This quantitative research was carried out using a questionnaire-based approach, where 583 participants responded using the PLS-SEM method via Smart-PLS 4. the results of this paper indicate that environmental management systems mediate the relationship between recycling and Eco-Innovation. Furthermore, external sources of information and open innovation show significant relations to eco-innovation, which, in turn, contributes highly to sustainable competitive advantage. The paper's originality is to illustrate the mediating effect of environmental management system within the recycling-innovation nexus and further provide empirical evidence that eco-innovation is an important causal factor for long-term competitive advantage. Therefore, businesses that practice eco-innovation are well-placed to comply with regulations and market demands concerning greener products, thereby achieving a strategic advantage. 2025 -
Removal of high concentration Cr (VI) through the synergetic effect of CuInS?/Ni-MoS?/NrGO Z-scheme heterojunction and Deinococcus radiodurans R1 nano-biohybrid system
The efficient removal of high-strength hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] from industrial effluents continues to be a significant challenge. This study introduces a nano-biohybrid approach that combines a CuInS?/Ni-MoS?/NrGO Z-scheme heterojunction with live biomass of Deinococcus radiodurans R1 under anaerobic conditions. This combination aims to enhance the reductive sorption of Cr (VI). A Z-scheme heterojunction composed of CuInS?, Ni-MoS?, and NrGO was synthesized using the hydrothermal technique. The structural and morphological properties of the synthesized nanomaterials (NMs) were examined through various techniques, including XRD, FT-IR, UV-VIS DRS, FE-SEM, EDX, PL, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and Mott-Schottky analysis. The CuInS?-Ni-MoS?-NrGO nanocomposite achieved nearly 97% removal of Cr (VI) at an initial dose of 50 mg/L within 3 h, which is almost three times more effective than the individual NMs CuInS?, Ni-MoS?, and NrGO. Further, applying the nano-biohybrid synergetic system enabled complete removal of Cr (VI) even at 200 mg/L, enhancing its removal capacity by 2.5-fold higher than the bare nanocomposite. The Langmuir isotherm model fits well with the experimental data, confirming homogeneous monolayer adsorption with a maximum Cr (VI) reductive sorption capacity of 333 mg/g. The intra-particle diffusion model analysis indicated that external mass transfer plays a dominant role in controlling the overall Cr (VI) sorption process. Furthermore, kinetic studies revealed that the Cr (VI) removal follows a pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption as the primary mechanism. The nanocomposite exhibited strong reusability, maintaining 86.5% Cr (VI) removal efficiency over 4 cycles. These results highlight the potential of nano-biohybrid systems as an efficient strategy for Cr (VI) remediation from contaminated wastewater. 2026 Elsevier B.V. -
Hesitant bipolar fuzzy set-based decision system for electric vehicle charging station location planning
The selection of electric vehicle (EV) charging station locations is a critical challenge that significantly affects the growth and acceptance of the EV industry. As EVs offer a sustainable solution to fossil fuel depletion and environmental pollution, identifying optimal charging station sites involves dealing with uncertain, inconsistent, and conflicting criteria. To address these challenges, this paper presents an innovative decision-making framework based on Hesitant Bipolar-Valued Fuzzy Sets (HBVFSs), which account for both positive and negative hesitant membership values to better model uncertainty in expert judgments. A novel hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) technique is proposed, combining the Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and Pivot Pairwise Relative Criteria Importance Assessment (PIPRECIA) methods to determine robust criteria weights within the HBVFS environment. The Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation II (PROMETHEE-II) is employed for the final site ranking. This integrated approach enables a more comprehensive and reliable evaluation of potential locations by incorporating both qualitative and quantitative factors. The proposed methodology has practical applications in real-world infrastructure planning and supports more resilient decision-making in sustainable transportation networks. The results demonstrate the model's effectiveness and adaptability in addressing the site selection problem under uncertainty. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
Smart and sustainable PVA/cellulose-ZnO/anthocyanin Films: Dual-action packaging for extended shelf life and real-time freshness detection
Sustainable sensing films for intelligent packaging applications are the need of the hour. Herein, for the first time, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from pineapple pomace are used as the host polymer for preparing cellulose-ZnO (CZnO) powder. The structural and dimensional properties of the CZnO powder were confirmed using different characterization techniques. Red cabbage-derived anthocyanin and CZnO were infused with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to make the antibacterial sensing films (CZnO/PVA (CPVA) and CZnO/anthocyanin/PVA (CAPVA)). The effective bonding between the PVA and the fillers is studied using the AT-FTIR analysis. The incorporation of C-ZnO and CZnO/anthocyanin resulted in the improving the UV screening ability of the developed films. The tensile strengths of the CPVA and CAPVA films were 14 and 11 % greater than that of the neat PVA film. The interaction with water was significantly reduced when CZnO was added to PVA making the material more hydrophobic. This was further confirmed using wettability studies. In 100 days, in wet conditions, the PVA, CPVA, and CAPVA showed biodegradability of 17, 37, and 39 %, respectively. As a packaging material, CPVA and CAPVA films increased the shelf life of fresh shrimp by up to 4 days as they have significant water barrier properties and antibacterial activity with an inhibitory zone of 28 and 20 mm (for CAPVA) against S. aureus and E. coli respectively. Furthermore, the release of volatile amines from shrimp spoilage caused the color of the CAPVA films to change over time from pink to yellow, indicating the possibility of using these films for real-time freshness monitoring. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Natural template-assisted green synthesis of cobalt oxide and its surface functionalization using ?-alanine for biological applications
The incorporation of nanotechnology into material science has brought great advancements in diverse fields like medicine, electronics, energy, and the environment. Metal oxides gained notable attention from various nanomaterials due to their unique structure and properties. Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4) stand out especially due to their diverse properties and applications. Synthesis of metal oxides through the traditional method faces many drawbacks, such as the use of toxic chemicals, a complex procedure, and environmental and health impacts. Whereas the green method of synthesis using natural resources, followed by surface modification with amino acids, acts as a better option for metal oxide synthesis. This paper focuses on developing a green, sustainable, and scalable method for synthesising Co3O4 nanoparticles, using a natural template, gum Arabic, followed by surface functionalization of ?-alanine. Various physico-chemical characterisation techniques such as DLS, TEM, FTIR and XRD were used to study nanoparticle composition and properties. Biocompatibility studies, cell viability assays and fibroblast cell lines from human skin by Alamar Blue assay, were carried out to test the effects of synthesised nanoparticles, and optimised protocols were also used to enhance performance for particular biomedical applications. Incorporating green synthesis and advanced techniques, ?-alanine functionalized Co3O4 nanoparticles, this research points toward developing more stable, biocompatible, and reactive nanoparticles under biological conditions. and multifunctional Co3O4 nanomaterials. Overall, the current study aims at sustainability with innovation towards transformative various biological applications in healthcare, biomedicine, diagnostics, MRI, biosensors, photo-sensing agents and energy technologies while addressing significant gaps in present methodologies. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Optimizing resource management using hybrid metaheuristic algorithm for fog layer design in edge computing
The growing complexity of management in fog computing environments necessitates more efficient algorithms capable of optimizing resource allocation, minimizing latency, and maximizing throughput and energy efficiency. Existing techniques, consisting of the Multi-Objective Crow Search Algorithm (MOCSA) and Fuzzy Meta-Heuristics Optimization (FMHO), regularly suffer from suboptimal performance due to constrained exploration abilities and slower convergence fees. To overcome with these demanding situations, this paper proposes a singular Hybrid Metaheuristic Algorithm (HMA) that mixes the strengths of more than one metaheuristic techniques, along with genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, and gray wolf optimization (GA-SA-GWO). The HMA is specifically designed to enhance useful resource control in fog computing by optimizing useful resource allocation, lowering latency, and enhancing usual gadget performance. Experimental results exhibit that the proposed HMA significantly outperforms existing solutions, with 26.98 % improved latency, 90.64 % resource utilization, 96.05 % throughput, 37.06 % reduced energy utilization, and 93.85 % energy utilization. These outcomes spotlight the HMA's potential to successfully manage sources in dynamic and unpredictable fog computing environments, providing a greater scalable and robust solution for actual-time applications. 2025 -
In vitro storage under slow growth, plant regeneration, and ex vitro acclimatization of Ligusticum officinale (Makino) Kitag
Ligusticum officinale is an important medicinal plant belonging to Apiaceae. It does not set seeds and is propagated by rhizome division. However, its sensitivity to high summer temperatures makes field cultivation and genetic resource conservation challenging. To conserve L. officinale germplasm, we employed an in vitro slow-growth storage (SGS) method. Shoot cultures of L. officinale were established on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L benzyl adenine, 30 g/L sucrose, and 2.4 g/L gelrite. Cultures were kept for one, three, five, and seven months. The effects of storage temperatures of 25 C (control) versus 15 C, medium supplementation with or without mannitol (3%), and abscisic acid (ABA), 0.5 mg/L, were examined. At the conclusion of the conservation period, survival was measured right away. Four weeks later, the shoot proliferation medium was used to measure the regrowth rate and recovery features. Subsequently, the regenerated shoots were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid for rooting of shoots for 4 weeks. The findings showed that even after seven months, shoot cultures kept at 15 C with medium supplemented with 3% mannitol and 0.5 mg/L ABA maintained a good survival rate of 83.3%. When compared to the control, most growth indices, including shoot length, fresh weight, number of shoots, and number of leaves, were significantly suppressed by mannitol and ABA combined treatment. A regrowth rate of 71% was achieved after transfer to proliferation medium. All the shoots that were cultured on rooting medium involved in rooting and plantlets were successfully acclimatized in controlled conditions. 2026 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. -
An ESIPT/AIE active Schiff Base for the selective detection of Picric acid, Ammonia, and its potential applications in anticounterfeiting and latent fingerprinting
A novel ESIPT/AIE-active Schiff base fluorophore, N?1,N?6-bis((Z)-2,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)adipohydrazide (ADHB), has been designed and synthesized. ADHB exhibits remarkable selectivity and sensitivity towards picric acid in aqueous phase, as well as ammonia in both aqueous and solid phases, with LOD values of 55.5 nM and 88.7 nM respectively, facilitating its efficacy in real sample analysis. While exhibiting notable luminescence in polar solvents (? = 0.15 %), ADHB displays pronounced fluorescence enhancement in the solid state (??? = 320 nm) due to aggregation-induced emission (AIE). The molecular skeleton of ADHB incorporates two potential excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) active sites that exhibit distinctive, reversible halochromic properties in the solid state. The adaptability of this Schiff base as a multi-responsive fluorescent material was explored by the fabrication of a blue-emitting polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film and paper-based test strips. The detection limits agree with the amount of contaminants that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows in drinking water. The sensing mechanism was elucidated through comprehensive DFT studies, NMR titration studies and Job's plot analysis. The tunable photophysical properties of this AIE-active probe facilitates practical applications in anti-counterfeiting and latent fingerprint visualization, highlighting its significance in forensic science and security authentication. These findings establish ADHB as a fluorescent platform for the sensitive detection and continuous monitoring of hazardous compounds in environmental systems. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Smartphone-integrated quantitative determination of bilirubin using luminescent carbon nanoparticles
Herein, using a green, cost-effective, and sustainable biomass precursor, luminescent carbon nanoparticles (CNP) are synthesized for selective bilirubin quantification. From high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) image, the prepared CNP exhibited spherical morphology and the crystallite size ranges from 8 to 16 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed the presence of both sp2 and sp3 hybridized carbon bonds within the carbon nanoparticles (CNP). Furthermore, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis was performed to determine the hydrodynamic diameter of the CNP and the average particle size was found to be approximately 12.94 0.19 nm. Under ultraviolet (UV) radiation of 350 nm wavelength, the CNP displayed excitation dependent emission characteristics, having an average lifetime of 4.4 ns. The fluorescence intensity of carbon nanoparticles reduced considerably in the presence of Fe3+ ions and fluorescence turn ON was achieved upon the addition of different concentrations of bilirubin. The probe displayed remarkable selectivity towards bilirubin over other potential interferences. Using a sensing platform based on a mobile phone application, the fluorescent probe exhibited a limit of detection (LOD) of 32 nM. Moreover, the fluorescent probe was efficiently employed for the detection of bilirubin in human serum and urine specimens. This cost-effective carbon-based turn-off-on fluorescent sensor makes it easy to detect bilirubin, through visual inspection under ultraviolet light, thereby enabling prompt diagnosis. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Relative thermal distribution between rectangular and convex parabolic fin in local thermal non-equilibrium model: a statistical analysis
This research investigates the numerical study of heat transfer between a fluid phase and the solid surface of a rectangular and convex parabolic fin, considering radiation and natural convection. This work helps to understand the design of advanced thermal devices employing fin systems under LTNE conditions. A mathematical model consisting of equations of solid and fluid phases is assumed to be distinct and coupled through local convective heat transfer. The governing equations of the mathematical model are non-linear ordinary differential equations reduced to dimensionless forms by applying suitable non-dimensional variables. The resultant set of equations, along with the boundary conditions are resolved using Runge-Kutta Fehlberg (RKF 45) method, and the obtained solution is validated with pre-existing results. The primacy of crucial aspects of the temperature profile and average Nusselt number is demonstrated through graphs. From the graphs, it is found that both solid and fluid phase temperature is more in the rectangular profile when compared to the convex parabolic profile. Further, the rate of heat transfer is analysed for both the profiles using response surface methodology (RSM). The response surface methodology is performed on derived rate of heat transfer as a response function for input factors for different parameters. Additionally, the accuracy of the model for rectangular and convex parabolic fin are found to be 97.47% and 96.36%, respectively. 2026 The Authors.